Saturday, February 09, 2008

Valentine gift idea: a little book!

I made this for Bill a few years ago on our anniversary, but it seems appropriate to post as Valentine's Day is fast approaching.

Unfortunately, I can't remember where I originally got the idea for this, so I can't give credit where it's due.

Meanwhile, I believe that the one that I originally saw was far fancier than mine. Mine is just a deck of cards, held together with binder rings:

As you can see, I didn't bother to disguise that this is a deck of cards -- I just glued my "things" in and left the card-i-ness the way that it was:

I think the original one I saw had gesso and collage and all of that jazz. But if I know myself, this was probably a last-minute idea, so this is what I made:(He was already a Browns fan when we met -- match made in heaven, I tell ya!)

I typed out the first 52 things that popped into my head and printed them. Then I cut them out and ran them through the Xyron sticker maker (love that thing!)(Just to clarify, I meant physical comedy with that one... not someone actually getting hurt.)

Looking at this project again makes me want to make one with a lot more stuff in it -- the possibilities with this project are endless!(Awwww...)

I punched holes in the sides of the cards and held them all together with binder rings (ETA: I used the 1 inch size), which you can see better here:(I love how fat it is -- satisfying!)

The back is also very basic -- although I did "laminate" the back page (again with the sticker maker -- it's cold lamination, so it's not as melty as real lamination, but it works in a pinch!)

It was tough to stop at just 52 -- my man is awesome! So I just wrote down the first 52 and went with those. Perhaps I should make a sequel...

I got a deck of cards and a pack of rings today, but I'm not sure if I'll be able to do this before Thursday evening. If not, the question is...do I give it to him any old time or save it up for next date-a-versary, anniversary, birthday, Valentine's Day???

I found your pictures of this adorable little card book on Flickr the other day. What a cute idea for hubby this year. He travels a lot and will be in China for Valentines Day. I love that this is small enough to pack amongst his things with a note "Do Not Open Till the 14th". Thanks for the inspiration!

I found it on dollarstore crafts, so I made mine using dollar store materials and stuff on hand. I bought some google eyes they had and superglued a large eye on in the middle of the front cover (taped on black wrapping paper.) I titled it "50 Things 'Eye' Love About You" I truly love the weird, monster like effect the google eye gives.

Thanks for the idea. I plan to make another for our anniversary with memories we share.

I would post a picture, but I don't have a working camera at the moment.

Well, I think this is adorable but my husband would think it was "gay" I have already decided I will make this as "52 ways I love that you're my sister" She will be just as thrilled with such a crafty cute thing as I. This also works for best friends, moms, grandmas, daughters and guys who are just a touch cheesy! Thanks for the great idea!

Kelly, The sticker maker was it the "create a sticker" the laminate maker? Could you send me a link to the one you have? I see tons by this Xyron maker and i have no idea which one to get. I want to make stickers and laminate.

I just recently bought the 510 off ebay and it came with nearly a full roller of permanent glue and a nearly full roller of two sided lamination. However, because I have no experience with this machine, which roller do I use to create the stickers?

I saw this on Pinterest and ended up making it for my boyfriend for Valentines day and he absolutely loved it! I'm an amateur crafter/college student and didn't have access to a sticker maker, nor the funds to buy one. Instead, I just cut the text into squares and glued it down with a glue stick, and then placed clear carton sealing tape over top of it to give it a laminated look and keep it secure. Maybe a little more time consuming, but much cheaper! I also included teeny little pictures of us and things included in the little inside jokes on the card. It was quite a hit! Thanks for the awesome idea!

so i'm in the process of making this for my boyfriend. It was intended for our 3 year anniversary but that's not for a few months. I'm super excited about this should I wait to give it on our anniversary or give it to him when I get home from college in a few weeks?

I can't believe anyone thought this was a bad idea! I guess men who really love us enjoy the sensitive things that we do for them showing appreciation! I am stealing this! I'll post how much my husband loves it later :)

I love this! I'm planning to make it for my boyfriend and I's two year 'anniversary', I've got the cards, just need to make it now:), where did you get the ring binder rings from? And any tips? thanks for the amazing cute idea!

Hi Maddi - Kelly made this, but I'll go ahead and answer. You can get the rings at any office supply store. They should be with the paper clips and whatnot. I've even seen them at Target and the grocery store with the school and office supplies now. Good luck!